UK manufacturers report 'strong growth' in domestic and export orders

A survey carried out by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has revealed that, in the three months to April, UK manufacturers’ domestic orders improved at the ‘fastest pace since July 2014’.

Meanwhile, export orders recorded the strongest growth in six years, according to the CBI’s latest Industrial Trends Survey. This was conducted before the announcement of a General Election.

However, the CBI also revealed that the weak pound pushed up costs, with manufacturers reporting the strongest rise in unit costs in six years.

Rain Newton-Smith, Chief Economist at the CBI, commented: ‘UK manufacturers are enjoying strong growth in demand from customers in the UK and overseas, and continue to ramp up production.

‘Exports have surged and firms are at their most optimistic about selling overseas in over four decades. Even so, the combination of the weak pound and recovering commodity prices means that cost pressures continue to build, and manufacturers report no sign of them abating over the near-term.’